Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana Announces the 4th Judicial District Youth Board

 

The 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board (4th JDC YSPB) proudly announces its relaunch with a renewed commitment to enhancing the lives of young people in Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes. This member-led board, comprising 11-25 community leaders, is dedicated to fostering accessible, culturally relevant services aimed at preventing and intervening in situations where children, youth, and families are at risk of entering the foster care or criminal/juvenile justice systems.

Operating under the guidance of Louisiana Act 555 of 2004, and with fiscal management provided by the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, the 4th JDC YSPB adopts a systemic approach to its mission. This strategy emphasizes coordination and system improvements rather than direct programming, ensuring a broad, impactful reach across the community. The board’s principles include being evidence-based, data-driven, collaborative, and policy-focused.

As part of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2003 and Act 555 of 2004, Louisiana mandated each parish to form local children and youth planning boards. The primary purpose of these planning boards is to unite leaders from various child-serving agencies and organizations to formulate a comprehensive plan for developing, implementing, and operating services for children and youth in the parish based on a recent needs assessment, evidence-based prevention strategies, and cross-sector collaboration.

In 2005, the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana partnered with Judge Sharon Marchman (Judge of the Louisiana 4th Judicial District Court) and the Ouachita and Morehouse Parish Police Juries to organize and facilitate the 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board. The board’s previous accomplishments include implementing an evidence-based parenting program for parents of justice-involved youth, addressing truancy within communities, mapping services for children, youth, parents, and families resulting in a published services directory, providing education about the need for evidence-based programs and practices, and increasing the capacity of existing and new evidence-based programs and practices.

The planning board met regularly until 2017 and relaunched in 2024. In its renewed efforts, the YSPB has identified two primary focus areas to address:

To effectively tackle these focus areas, the board has established three specialized committees:

The YSPB encourages community representativesto join these committees. All committee members are expected to:

Throughout the summer of 2024, each committee will conduct a thorough analysis of existing data to develop and implement strategies that address systemic-level interventions. These plans will aim to enhance third grade reading proficiency, promote trauma-informed mental health approaches, and amplify youth voices in decision-making processes. Committees will convene approximately once a month, with meeting times agreed upon by members.

The 4th JDC YSPB invites all community members dedicated to improving youth outcomes to get involved. Together, we can create a robust support system that nurtures and empowers our children and youth, paving the way for thriving communities and a brighter future.

For more information, or interest in joining a committee please visit www.childrenscoalition.org

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About the 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board: The 4th Judicial District Youth Services Planning Board is committed to systemic improvements that ensure children, youth, and families in Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes receive the support they need. Guided by evidence-based practices and community collaboration, the board aims to prevent the involvement of young people in foster care or the criminal/juvenile justice systems. The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana serves as its fiscal agent.

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The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we focus on fostering the physical, mental, and social well-being of children and adolescents through a comprehensive range of programs and services. Our initiatives address critical areas such as early childhood education, youth development, health and wellness, and family support. Founded on the principles of collaboration and community engagement, the Children's Coalition partners with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to deliver evidence-based solutions that make a lasting impact. Through our work, we strive to ensure that every child in Northeast Louisiana can reach their full potential.